AWJC report highlights nylon growth in China

March 22, 2013

WORCESTER, ENGLAND — Both demand and supply of nylon compounds in China continues to rise, according to a new study released by England’s AWJ Consulting. The report primarily focuses on nylon 6, nylon 6/6 and high-temperature nylons.

Demand for nylon compounds in China reached 894,500 metric tons in 2012 and is forecast to grow at an average 7.5 percent during the next five years. This would call for a 2017 market demand of nearly 1.3 million metric tons.

In the last three years, China’s nylon market growth has averaged 11.2 percent. In 2012, demand in China rose 6.2 percent. Automotive applications rose an estimated 9 percent, while the electrical industry saw 3-4 percent gains.

With China has a large number of nylon suppliers and a diverse and a relatively fragmented processing sector, the supply structure is evolving.

Five years ago, China relied heavily on imports, with 65 percent of nylon 6 polymer and 86 percent of nylon 6/6 brought in from other countries. DSM is making local strides in nylon 6 polymer development and Shenma is leading nylon 6/6 production.